Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 169-174 ... 1Department of Physiology, Vidyasagar College for Women, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal ...
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 169-174
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 169-174
ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES Assessment of Physical Fitness Status of Young Sikkimese Residing in High-Hill Temperate Regions of Eastern Sikkim under the Influence of Climate and Socio-Cultural Factors Pallav Sengupta1* 1
Department of Physiology, Vidyasagar College for Women, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Abstract Objective: The least populated state of India, Sikkim is situated over 6,000 ft as of the sea level. The health of people residing at high altitude is shaped not only by the low-oxygen environment, but also by population ancestry and socio-cultural determinants. These factors may also have an influence over their physical fitness level. Thus the present survey work was designed in order to assess the influence of high altitude on physical fitness and anaerobic power. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in randomly selected young adult male residents of Gangtok, Sikkim (mean age 22.0) and the college students of Kolkata (mean age 21.9) served as controls. Some parameters of physical fitness and endurance were measured using resting heart rate, blood pressure, PFI, energy expenditure, VO2max etc. Results: A significant difference (p
